Electronic panel and electronic apparatus including the same

ABSTRACT

An electronic panel, includes: a base substrate including a front surface, a rear surface opposite the front surface, and a plurality of side surfaces connecting the front surface and the rear surface to each other; a pixel definition layer on the front surface of the base substrate and having a plurality of openings defined therein; a plurality of emitting elements in the openings; and a spacer on the pixel definition layer and spaced apart from the openings, wherein a thickness of the spacer is equal to or greater than a thickness of the pixel definition layer.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean PatentApplication No. 10-2019-0028410 filed on Mar. 12, 2019 in the KoreanIntellectual Property Office, the entire contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Aspects of some example embodiments of the present inventive conceptrelate to an electronic panel and an electronic apparatus including thesame, and for example, to an electronic panel with improved visibilityand an electronic apparatus including the same.

An electronic apparatus is activated by electrical signals. Theelectronic apparatus may include various electronic parts such as anelectronic panel and an electronic module. The electronic panel includesa plurality of light-emitting devices configured to produce or displayimages. The light-emitting devices define corresponding emission areas,and an image may be generated by light displayed at the emission areas.

A display surface may display an image and at the same time may beexposed to external light. The external light may travel through thedisplay surface into the electronic panel. The light incident into theelectronic panel may be reflected from various components constitutingthe electronic panel.

The above information disclosed in this Background section is only forenhancement of understanding of the background and therefore theinformation discussed in this Background section does not necessarilyconstitute prior art.

SUMMARY

Some example embodiments of the present inventive concept include anelectronic panel configured to preventing a reduction in visibility ordisplay quality that may otherwise be caused by internal light leakagesand an electronic apparatus including the electronic panel.

According to some example embodiments of the present inventive concept,an electronic panel includes: a base substrate including a frontsurface, a rear surface opposed to the front surface, and a plurality ofside surfaces connecting the front surface and the rear surface to eachother; a pixel definition layer on the front surface of the basesubstrate and having a plurality of openings defined therein; aplurality of emitting elements in the openings; and a spacer on thepixel definition layer and spaced apart from the openings. A thicknessof the spacer may be equal to or greater than a thickness of the pixeldefinition layer.

According to some example embodiments, the pixel definition layer andthe spacer may have a unitary shape.

According to some example embodiments, a ratio of the thickness of thepixel definition layer to a sum of the thicknesses of the pixeldefinition layer and the spacer may be equal to or less than 0.3.

According to some example embodiments, each of the openings may include:a first side extending along a direction inclined at a first anglerelative to an extending direction of a first side surface among theside surfaces, when viewed from the front surface; and a second sideconnected to the first side and extending along a direction inclined ata second angle relative to the extending direction of the first sidesurface. One or more of the first angle and the second angle may be in arange of 45°±15° or 135°±15°.

According to some example embodiments, the spacer may include: a firstsidewall extending along a direction inclined at a first angle relativeto an extending direction of a first side surface among the sidesurfaces, when viewed from the front surface; and a second sidewallconnected to the first sidewall and extending along a direction inclinedat a second angle relative to the extending direction of the first sidesurface. One or more of the first angle and the second angle may be in arange of 45°±15° or 135°±15°.

According to some example embodiments, the spacer may further include athird sidewall extending in a direction perpendicular to the extendingdirection of the first side surface and having connection either withthe first sidewall or with the second sidewall, when viewed from thefront surface.

According to some example embodiments, the electronic panel may furthercomprise a plurality of signal lines between the base substrate and thepixel definition layer. The signal lines may be electrically connectedto the emitting elements. When viewed from the front surface, an anglebetween an extending direction of a first side surface among the sidesurfaces and an extending direction of each of the signal lines may bein a rage of 45°±15° or 135°±15°.

According to some example embodiments, when viewed in plan, the signallines may overlap the pixel definition layer.

According to some example embodiments, the electronic panel may furthercomprise a plurality of mesh lines that lie on the pixel definitionlayer and have a plurality of mesh openings defined therein. The meshopenings may correspond to the openings of the pixel definition layer.The mesh lines may include: a first mesh line extending along a singledirection; and a second mesh line extending along a directionintersecting the single direction. When viewed from the front surface,an angle between an extending direction of a first side surface amongthe side surfaces and each of the single direction and the intersectingdirection may be in a rage of 45°±15° or 135°±15°.

According to some example embodiments of the present inventive concept,an electronic apparatus includes: an electronic panel including aplurality of emission regions; and a housing unit accommodating theelectronic panel. The electronic panel may include: a base substrateincluding a front surface, a rear surface opposed to the front surface,and first to fourth side surfaces connecting the front surface and therear surface to each other; a pixel definition layer on the frontsurface and having a plurality of openings defined therein, the openingscorresponding to the emission regions and including a first side and asecond side connected to each other; a plurality of emitting elements inthe openings; a plurality of thin film transistors between the basesubstrate and the pixel definition layer, the thin film transistorsbeing connected to corresponding emitting elements; and a plurality ofsignal lines between the pixel definition layer and the base substrate,the signal lines being connected to corresponding thin film transistors.The first side, the second side, and one or more of the signal lines mayextend at an inclined angle relative to the first side surface, whenviewed from the front surface. A smallest value of the inclined anglemay be in a range of 45°±15°.

According to some example embodiments, each of the emitting elements mayinclude: a first electrode; a second electrode on the first electrodeand covering the pixel definition layer; and an emitting pattern betweenthe first electrode and the second electrode. The first side and thesecond side may be portions of the pixel definition layer that are incontact with the first electrode.

According to some example embodiments, the electronic apparatus mayfurther comprise a spacer on the pixel definition layer and spaced apartfrom the openings.

According to some example embodiments, the spacer may be covered withthe second electrode.

According to some example embodiments, a thickness of the spacer may beequal to or greater than a thickness of the pixel definition layer on anarea where the spacer is located.

According to some example embodiments, the spacer and the pixeldefinition layer may have a unitary shape.

According to some example embodiments, a ratio of the thickness of thepixel definition layer to a sum of the thicknesses of the pixeldefinition layer and the spacer may be equal to or less than 0.3.

According to some example embodiments, when viewed from the frontsurface, the spacer may include: a first sidewall having a firstinclined angle relative to the first side surface; and a second sidewallhaving a second inclined angle relative to the first side surface. Thesecond sidewall may be connected to the first sidewall. Each of thefirst inclined angle and the second inclined angle may have a range of45°±15°.

According to some example embodiments, the first sidewall and the secondsidewall of the spacer may be adjacent to the first side surface.

According to some example embodiments, the electronic apparatus mayfurther comprise a plurality of mesh lines that lie on the pixeldefinition layer and have a plurality of mesh openings defined therein.The mesh openings may correspond to the emission regions. When viewedfrom the front surface, an extending direction of each of the mesh linesmay be inclined at a certain angle relative to the first side surface. Asmallest value of the certain angle may be in a range of 45°±15°.

According to some example embodiments, the housing unit may be anautomotive vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view showing a portion of an electronicapparatus according to some example embodiments of the present inventiveconcept.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view showing another portion of theelectronic apparatus depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view showing an electronic panelaccording to some example embodiments of the present inventive concept.

FIG. 4A illustrates a plan view showing a portion of FIG. 3.

FIG. 4B illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along the line I-I′ ofFIG. 4A.

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view showing a portion of anelectronic panel according to some example embodiments of the presentinventive concept.

FIG. 6A illustrates a graph showing a surface tilted angle of a pixeldefinition layer versus distance.

FIG. 6B illustrates a graph showing relationship between exit angles andsurface tilted angles.

FIGS. 7A to 7C illustrate graphs showing intensity of scattered lightversus a light-receiving angle on a pixel definition layer according tosome example embodiments of the present inventive concept.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate graphs showing a variation in luminanceaccording to some example embodiments of the present inventive concept.

FIG. 9 illustrates a plan view showing a portion of an electronic panelaccording to some example embodiments of the present inventive concept.

FIGS. 10A to 10D illustrate graphs showing luminance of scattered lightversus an azimuthal angle of a pixel according to some exampleembodiments of the present inventive concept.

FIG. 11A illustrate a plan view partially showing a comparative example.

FIG. 11B illustrates a plan view showing a portion of an electronicpanel according to some example embodiments of the present inventiveconcept.

FIG. 11C illustrates an image capturing a comparative example.

FIG. 11D illustrates an image capturing an electronic panel according tosome example embodiments of the present inventive concept.

FIG. 12A illustrate a plan view partially showing a comparative example.

FIG. 12B illustrates a plan view partially showing an electronic panelaccording to some example embodiments of the present inventive concept.

FIG. 12C illustrates an image capturing a comparative example.

FIG. 12D illustrates an image capturing an electronic panel according tosome example embodiments of the present inventive concept.

FIG. 13A illustrate a plan view partially showing a comparative example.

FIG. 13B illustrates a plan view partially showing an electronic panelaccording to some example embodiments of the present inventive concept.

FIG. 13C illustrates an image capturing a comparative example.

FIG. 13D illustrates an image capturing an electronic panel according tosome example embodiments of the present inventive concept.

FIG. 14A illustrate a plan view partially showing a comparative example.

FIG. 14B illustrates a plan view partially showing an electronic panelaccording to some example embodiments of the present inventive concept.

FIG. 14C illustrates an image capturing a comparative example.

FIG. 14D illustrates an image capturing an electronic panel according tosome example embodiments of the present inventive concept.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following will now describe aspects of some example embodiments ofthe present inventive concept in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view showing a portion of an electronicapparatus according to some example embodiments of the present inventiveconcept. FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view showing another portionof the electronic apparatus depicted in FIG. 1. Hereinafter, aspects ofsome example embodiments of the present inventive concept will bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

Referring to FIG. 1, an electronic apparatus EA includes an electronicpanel EPP. In correspondence to electrical signals, the electronic panelEPP displays an image IM on a display surface FS. The image IM mayinclude a static image or a dynamic image.

According to some example embodiments, the electronic apparatus EAcontains the electronic panel EPP. The electronic apparatus EA mayaccommodate the electronic panel EPP on an appropriate position to allowusers to easily recognize an image displayed on the electronic panelEPP. According to some example embodiments, an automotive vehicle isillustrated as an example to indicate the electronic apparatus EA Theelectronic panel EPP may be received within the automotive vehicle andlocated below a front window.

Referring to FIG. 2, a portion of external light may be incident througha side window into the automotive vehicle. When the external light isdirected toward the electronic panel EPP, a first light LS may beincident at a first angle AG1 relative to the display surface FS andthen may exit as a second light LR reflected at a second angle AG2 fromthe display surface FS, which second light LR may travel toward eyes ofa user

US, in particular a driver. The second light LR may produce glare toeyes of the user US, and thus user's visibility on the image IM may bereduced.

According to some example embodiments, the first angle AG1 may be 45°relative to a reference line VL, and the second angle AG2 may be 30°relative to the reference line VL. The closer the angle of lightapproaches 30° relative to the display surface FS, the more likely theuser US feels glare. When light is directed at an inclined angle closeto 45° relative to the display surface FS, there is a high likelihoodthat the light is reflected at an angle close to 30°. As a result, theelectronic apparatus EA according to some example embodiments of thepresent inventive concept may reduce distribution of the second light LRamong lights exiting from the electronic panel EPP, or to reduce aquantity of light exiting at an angle close to 30°, which may result inprevention of user's glare and improvement in visibility of the imageIM.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view showing an electronic panelaccording to some example embodiments of the present inventive concept.FIG. 4A illustrates a plan view showing a portion of FIG. 3. FIG. 4Billustrates a cross-sectional view taken along the line I-I′ of FIG. 4A.Hereinafter, aspects of some example embodiments of the presentinventive concept will be described with reference to FIGS. 3, 4A, and4B.

As shown in FIG. 3, an electronic panel EPP is illustrated to have ahexahedral plate shape including a display surface FS, a rear surface,and a plurality of side surfaces S1, S2, S3, and S4. The display surfaceFS may be divided into an active area AA and a peripheral area NAA on aplane defined by a first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2. Thedisplay surface FS displays an image toward a third direction DR3.

The side surfaces S1, S2, S3, and S4 may include a first side surfaceS1, a second side surface S2, a third side surface S3, and a fourth sidesurface S4. The first, second, third, and fourth side surfaces S1, S2,S3, and S4 connect the display surface FS and the rear surface to eachother.

The first side surface S1 and the second side surface S2 may extendalong the first direction DR1, and may be parallel to and opposed toeach other in the second direction DR2. The third side surface S3 andthe fourth side surface S4 may extend along the second direction DR2,and may be parallel to and opposed to each other in the first directionDR1.

According to some example embodiments, on the plane, external light (seeLS of FIG. 2) may be incident in a direction perpendicular to one ormore of the first, second, third, and fourth side surfaces S1, S2, S3,and S4.

One the plane, the display surface FS may receive the external light LStraveling along a direction perpendicular to one or more of the first,second, third, and fourth side surfaces S1, S2, S3, and S4. According tosome example embodiments, the external light LS is illustrated to travelin a direction perpendicular to the third side surface S3 or the fourthside surface S4.

The active area AA may include a plurality of emission areas EA and anon-emission area NEA. The emission areas EA may be located spaced apartfrom each other. Each of the emission areas EA displays light. Theemission areas EA may be driven independently of each other.

FIG. 4A discloses a unit emission area EA_P. The unit emission area EA_Pmay include a first emission region EA_R, a second emission region EA_G,and a third emission region EA_B. The first, second, and third emissionregions EA_R, EA_G, and EA_B emit lights having different colors fromeach other. According to some example embodiments, it is illustrated, asan example, that the first emission region EA_R emits a red-coloredlight, the second emission region EA_G emits a green-colored light, andthe third emission region EA_B emits a blue-colored light, butembodiments according to the present inventive concept are not limitedthereto.

The non-emission area NEA is adjacent to the emission areas EA. Thenon-emission area NEA may have a grid shape on the plane. Thenon-emission area NEA defines spaces between the emission areas EA.

The electronic panel EPP may include a base substrate BS, a thin filmtransistor TR, an emitting element EE, a plurality of dielectric layers10, 20, and 30, a plurality of signal lines SLa and SLb, a pixeldefinition layer PDL, and a spacer SP. The dielectric layers 10, 20, and30 are illustrated, as an example, to include a first dielectric layer10, a second dielectric layer 20, and a third dielectric layer 30.

The base substrate BS may be a dielectric substrate. For example, thebase substrate BS may include a plastic substrate or a glass substrate.

The thin film transistor TR is located on the base substrate BS. Thethin film transistor TR includes a semiconductor pattern AP, a controlelectrode CE, an input electrode IE, and an output electrode OE.

The semiconductor pattern AP is positioned between the base substrate BSand the first dielectric layer 10. The semiconductor pattern AP mayinclude a semiconductor material. The control electrode CE is spacedapart from the semiconductor pattern AP across the first dielectriclayer 10.

The input electrode IE and the output electrode OE are positioned on thesecond dielectric layer 20, and spaced apart from each other on theplane. The input electrode IE and the output electrode OE penetrate thefirst dielectric layer 10 and the second dielectric layer 20, and arerespectively coupled to one side and other side of the semiconductorpattern AP.

The third dielectric layer 30 is positioned on the second dielectriclayer 20, covering the input electrode IE and the output electrode OE.For another example, for the thin film transistor TR, the semiconductorpattern AP may be positioned on the control electrode CE. For anotherexample, the semiconductor pattern AP may be positioned on the inputelectrode IE and the output electrode OE. For another example, the inputelectrode IE and the output electrode OE may be positioned on the samelayer on which the semiconductor pattern AP is positioned, and thus maybe directly coupled to the semiconductor pattern AP. The thin filmtransistor TR according to some example embodiments of the presentinventive concept may be formed to have various structures, and theconfiguration of the thin film transistor TR is not limited to a certainembodiment.

The signal lines SLa and SLb may be positioned between the basesubstrate BS and the pixel definition layer PDL. The signal lines SLaand SLb may include a conductive material. For example, the signal linesSLa and SLb may include the same material as that of the controlelectrode CE, the input electrode IE, or the output electrode OE.

The signal lines SLa and SLb may be connected to and may provideelectrical signals to the thin film transistor TR or the emittingelement EE. The signal lines SLa and SLb may include a gate line, a dataline, a power line, or any other lines that transfer electrical signalsto the thin film transistor TR or the emitting element EE.

According to some example embodiments, the signal lines SLa and SLb areillustrated, as an example, to include two signal lines, or a firstsignal line SLa and a second signal line SLb, that are positionedbetween the first dielectric layer 10 and the second dielectric layer20. The first and second signal lines SLa and SLb may be spaced apartfrom each other on the same layer. The first and second signal lines SLaand SLb may transfer independent electrical signals of each other.

However, the configuration discussed above is merely illustrative, andwhen the first and second signal lines SLa and SLb are possible toprovide electrical signals to the thin film transistor TR or theemitting element EE, the first and second signal lines SLa and SLb maybe, but not limited to a certain embodiment, positioned on various ordifferent locations.

The emitting element EE may either produce light in accordance withelectrical signals or control a quantity of light. For example, theemitting element EE may include an organic light-emitting device, aquantum dot light-emitting device, an electrophoresis device, or anelectro-wetting device.

The emitting element EE may include a first electrode E1, a secondelectrode E2, and an emitting pattern EP. For the emitting element EE, adifference in potential between the first electrode E1 and the secondelectrode E2 is used to excite the emitting pattern EP to produce light.Therefore, each of the emission areas EA may emit light.

The first electrode E1 may penetrate the third dielectric layer 30, andmay be coupled to the thin film transistor TR. According to some exampleembodiments, the electronic panel EPP may further include aninterconnection electrode between the first electrode E1 and the thinfilm transistor TR, and in this case, the first electrode E1 may beelectrically coupled through the interconnection electrode to the thinfilm transistor TR.

The emitting pattern EP is positioned between the first electrode E1 andthe second electrode E2. The emitting pattern EP may include alight-emitting material. For example, the emitting pattern EP may beformed of one or more of a material emitting a red-colored light, amaterial emitting a green-colored light, and a material emitting ablue-colored light, and may include a fluorescent or phosphorescentmaterial. The emitting pattern EP may include an inorganiclight-emitting material or an organic light-emitting material. Theemitting pattern EP may emit light in response to the difference inpotential between the first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2.

The second electrode E2 is located on the emitting pattern EP. Thesecond electrode E2 may face the first electrode E1. The secondelectrode E2 may have any other shapes overlapping a plurality ofemission areas EA in the active area AA. The second electrode E2 may beprovided in common to a plurality of pixels. The emitting element EEpositioned on each pixel receives a common power voltage through thesecond electrode E2.

The pixel definition layer PDL is positioned on the third dielectriclayer 30. The pixel definition layer PDL may include a plurality ofopenings OP. The openings OP may be formed to penetrate the pixeldefinition layer PDL. Each of the openings OP exposes at least a portionof the first electrode E1. The openings OP may define correspondingemission areas EA.

The spacer SP is positioned on the pixel definition layer PDL. Thespacer SP may be used to support a mask when the emitting pattern EP isformed. Thus, compared to other zones, a zone in which the spacer SP islocated may protrude more toward the third direction DR3.

The spacer SP may be provided in plural, and the plurality of spacers SPmay be positioned spaced apart from each other on the plane. Accordingto some example embodiments, the spacer SP is located on a zonesurrounded by two third emission regions EA_B, two second emissionregions EA_G, and two first emission regions EA_R. However, theplacement of the spacer SP is merely illustrative, and when the spacerSP is possible to reside between the emission regions EA_R, EA_G, andEA_B, the spacer SP may be, but not limited to a certain embodiment,located on various positions and provided in more numbers.

According to some example embodiments, the spacer SP and the pixeldefinition layer PDL may be connected to have a unitary shape. Thespacer SP and the pixel definition layer PDL may be formed of the samematerial, and may be formed using one half-tone mask in a singleprocess. Accordingly, it may be possible to omit a separate process forforming the spacer SP. However, the above discussion is merelyillustrative, and the spacer SP may be, but not limited to a certainembodiment, formed to have a configuration independently separated fromthe pixel definition layer PDL.

According to some example embodiments, the spacer SP may be designed tohave a thickness T1 (referred to hereinafter as a first thickness) equalto or greater than a thickness T2 (referred to hereinafter as a secondthickness) of the pixel definition layer PDL. For example, a ratio ofthe first thickness T1 to a total thickness TT (T1+T2) of the spacer SPand the pixel definition layer PDL may be equal to or greater than 0.5.In certain embodiments, when the rational portion of the first thicknessT1 is controlled, the degree of curve may be easily designed for a topsurface SP_S of the spacer SP or a top surface PDL_S of the pixeldefinition layer PDL. A more detailed description thereof will befurther discussed below.

According to some example embodiments, the electronic panel EPP mayfurther include the spacer SP, and therefore the pixel definition layerPDL may be prevented from damages caused by a mask when the emittingpattern EP is formed. In addition, the control of the thicknesses of thespacer SP and the pixel definition layer PDL may easily adjust areflection angle of external light. Accordingly, the occurrence ofreflected light capable of causing glare to user's eyes may be reducedto improve display characteristics of the electronic panel EPP.

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view showing a portion of anelectronic panel according to some example embodiments of the presentinventive concept. FIG. 6A illustrates a graph showing a surface tiltedangle of a pixel definition layer versus distance. FIG. 6B illustrates agraph showing relationship between exit angles and surface tiltedangles. For easiness of description, FIG. 5 illustrates an enlarged viewshowing a zone in which are located the pixel definition layer PDL andthe spacer SP that are selected from components depicted in FIG. 4B, andalso illustrates arrows to denote incident lights and reflected lights.The distance shown in FIG. 6 means an interval spaced apart from a pointPP illustrated in FIG. 5.

Hereinafter, aspects of some example embodiments of the presentinventive concept will be described with reference to FIGS. 5, 6A, and6B. Those parts substantially the same as those discussed with referenceto FIGS. 1 to 3, 4A, and 4B are allocated the same reference numeralsthereto, and repetitive explanations thereof will be omitted.

Each of incident lights L1, L2, L3, and L4 may correspond to theexternal light (see LS of FIG. 2). FIG. 5 illustrates that the incidentlights L1, L2, L3, and L4 are incident at the same incidence angle A0.The incident lights L1, L2, L3, and L4 are illustrated, as an example,to include a first incident light L1, a second incident light L2, athird incident light L3, and a fourth incident light L4.

The first incident light L1 may be light incident on the pixeldefinition layer PDL and the second electrode E2. The first incidentlight L1 may be incident on a surface of the second electrode E2covering the pixel definition layer PDL and on a location spaced apartfrom the spacer SP.

The first incident light L1 may be incident on the second electrode E2and may produce a first reflected light LR1 reflected from the secondelectrode E2. The first reflected light LR1 may have an exit angle, or afirst angle A1, less than the incidence angle A0.

The second incident light L2 may be light incident on the spacer SP.Based on a reflection location, the second incident light L2 may producea second reflected light LR2 or a third reflected light LR3. The secondreflected light LR2 may be light reflected from the second electrode E2.The second reflected light LR2 may have an exit angle, or a second angleA2.

The third reflected light LR3 may be light reflected from the firstsignal line SLa. At least a portion of the second incident light L2 maypenetrate the second electrode E2, and then sequentially pass throughthe spacer SP, the pixel definition layer PDL, the third dielectriclayer 30, and the second dielectric layer 20, thereby arriving at thefirst signal line SLa. Light reflected from a side surface of the firstsignal line SLa may sequentially pass through the second dielectriclayer 20, the third dielectric layer 30, the pixel definition layer PDL,and the spacer SP, and then run across the second electrode E2, therebyexiting as the third reflected light LR3. The third reflected light LR3may have an exit angle, or a third angle A3.

The third incident light L3 may be light that is incident on the pixeldefinition layer PDL and then produces a fourth reflected light LR4reflected from the second signal line SLb. The third incident light L3may penetrate the second electrode E2 after being incident on a locationspaced apart from the spacer SP, and then pass through the pixeldefinition layer PDL, the third dielectric layer 30, and the seconddielectric layer 20, thereby arriving at the second signal line SLb. Thefourth reflected light LR4 may have an exit angle, or a fourth angle A4.

The fourth incident light L4 may be light that is incident on the pixeldefinition layer PDL and then produces a fifth reflected light LR5reflected from the first electrode E1. The fourth incident light L4 isincident on the first electrode E1 after passing through the pixeldefinition layer PDL. Light reflected from first electrode E1 may havean exit angle, or a fifth angle A5, on the surface of the secondelectrode E2.

According to some example embodiments, when the incidence angle A0 is45°, each of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth angles A1, A2,A3, A4, and A5 may be less than 30°. As discussed above, a reflectedlight exiting at an angle of 30° may occur visibility errors, such asglare to user's eyes. According to some example embodiments, thereflected lights LR1, LR2, LR3, LR4, and LR5 originating from theincident lights L1, L2, L3, and L4 may be controlled to have reflectionangles (or exit angles) different from or less than 30°, and thus theelectronic panel EPP may improve in visibility.

Referring to FIG. 6A, the pixel definition layer PDL may have a surfacetilted angle that is different based on position. For easiness ofdescription, FIG. 6A shows plots PL-S1 and PL-P1 representing surfacetilted angles at distances for examples in which the pixel definitionlayer PDL has an average thickness of 2.1 μm, plots PL-S2 and PL-P2representing surface tilted angles at distances for examples in whichthe pixel definition layer PDL has an average thickness of 2.5 μm, andnumbers indicating the surface tilted angles at corresponding positions.Each shape of the plots PL-S1, PL-P1, PL-S2, and PL-P2 may correspond toa surface flexure of the pixel definition layer PDL according to someexample embodiments of the present inventive concept.

FIG. 6B shows relationship between surface tilted angles and exitangles. A surface tilted angle greater than 0° means a convex flexure,and a surface tilted angle less than 0° means a concave flexure.Referring to FIG. 6B, it may be found that the surface tilted angle isabout 4° when the exit angle is 30°.

Returning to FIG. 6A, as shown by the plots PL-S1 and PL-P1 for theexamples in which the pixel definition layer PDL has an averagethickness of 2.1 μm, a zone whose surface tilted angle is 4° existswithin a distance range between 7 μm and 8 μm, about 7.4 μm on average,away from a distal end (0.0 μm). As shown by the plots PL-S2 and PL-P2for the examples in which the pixel definition layer PDL has an averagethickness of 2.5 μm, a zone whose surface tilted angle is 4° existswithin a distance range between 10.5 μm and 12 μm, about 11.1 μm onaverage, away from the distal end (0.0 μm). The distal end (0.0 μm) maybe a portion of the pixel definition layer PDL, which portioncorresponds to a side of the opening OP and adjoins the first electrodeE1 to form a boundary between the portion and the first electrode E1.

Referring to the plots PL-S1, PL-P1, PL-S2, and PL-P2, it may be foundthat a zone whose surface tilted angle is 4° exists within a widerdistance range on the plots PL-S2 and PL-P2 for the examples in whichthe pixel definition layer PDL has a relatively large average thicknessof 2.5 μm. That is, an increase in thickness of the pixel definitionlayer PDL may increase a range of the zone whose surface tilted angle is4° and may also increase a rational portion of reflected light exitingat an angle of 30° relative to light incident at an angle of 45°.Therefore, according to some example embodiments of the presentinventive concept, a relative reduction in thickness of the pixeldefinition layer PDL may decrease a rational portion of reflected lightexiting at an angle of 30° and may suppress visibility defects caused byreflection of external light.

FIGS. 7A to 7C illustrate graphs showing intensity of scattered lightversus a light-receiving angle on a pixel definition layer according tosome example embodiments of the present inventive concept. Alight-receiving angle may substantially correspond to an exit angle ofreflected light. FIG. 7A illustrates a graph related to the pixeldefinition layer whose thickness is 1.2 μm, FIG. 7B illustrates a graphrelated to the pixel definition layer whose thickness is 1.5 μm, andFIG. 7C illustrates a graph related to the pixel definition layer whosethickness is 1.8 μm. Hereinafter, aspects of some example embodiments ofthe present inventive concept will be described with reference to FIGS.7A to 7C.

FIG. 7A illustrates first plots PL-A1 showing intensity of scatteredlight versus a light-receiving angle for two examples whose pixelazimuthal angle is 0°, and also illustrates second plots PL-A2 showingintensity of scattered light versus a light-receiving angle for twoexamples whose pixel azimuthal angle is 90°. As illustrated in FIG. 7A,each of the first and second plots PL-A1 and PL-A2 shows tendency thatthe intensity of scattered light rapidly increases at thelight-receiving angle of 30°.

The first plots PL-A1 show that the intensity of scattered light isabout 3.8 cd/m² at a point PA1 where the light-receiving angle is 30°,and that the intensity of scattered light increases with a sharp slopewhen the light-receiving angle becomes greater than 30°. The secondplots PL-A2 show that the intensity of scattered light is about 2.8cd/m² at a point PA2 where the light-receiving angle is 30°, and thatthe intensity of scattered light increases with a sharp slope when thelight-receiving angle becomes greater than 30°. It may thus be foundthat when the light-receiving angle becomes equal to or greater than30°, the intensity of scattered light increases and light leakagedefects readily occur.

FIG. 7B illustrates third plots PL-A3 showing intensity of scatteredlight versus a light-receiving angle for two examples whose pixelazimuthal angle is 0°, and also illustrates fourth plots PL-A4 showingintensity of scattered light versus a light-receiving angle for twoexamples whose pixel azimuthal angle is 90°. As illustrated in FIG. 7B,each of the third and fourth plots PL-A3 and PL-A4 shows tendency thatthe intensity of scattered light sharply increases at thelight-receiving angle of 30°.

The third plots PL-A3 show that the intensity of scattered light isabout 4.9 cd/m² at a point PA3 where the light-receiving angle is 30°,and that the intensity of scattered light increases with a sharp slopewhen the light-receiving angle becomes greater than 30°. The fourthplots PL-A4 show that the intensity of scattered light is about 3.4cd/m² at a point PA4 where the light-receiving angle is 30°, and thatthe intensity of scattered light increases with a sharp slope when thelight-receiving angle becomes greater than 30°. It may thus be foundthat when the light-receiving angle becomes equal to or greater than30°, the intensity of scattered light increases and light leakagedefects readily occur.

FIG. 7C illustrates fifth plots PL-A5 showing intensity of scatteredlight versus a light-receiving angle for two examples whose pixelazimuthal angle is 0°, and also illustrates sixth plots PL-A6 showingintensity of scattered light versus a light-receiving angle for twoexamples whose pixel azimuthal angle is 90°. As illustrated in FIG. 7C,each of the fifth and sixth plots PL-A5 and PL-A6 shows tendency thatthe intensity of scattered light sharply increases at thelight-receiving angle of 30°.

The fifth plots PL-A5 show that the intensity of scattered light isabout 5.7 cd/m² at a point PA5 where the light-receiving angle is 30°,and that the intensity of scattered light increases with a sharp slopewhen the light-receiving angle becomes greater than 30°. The sixth plotsPL-A6 show that the intensity of scattered light is about 3.8 cd/m² at apoint PA6 where the light-receiving angle is 30°, and that the intensityof scattered light increases with a sharp slope when the light-receivingangle becomes greater than 30°. It may thus be found that when thelight-receiving angle becomes equal to or greater than 30°, theintensity of scattered light increases and light leakage defects readilyoccur.

Referring to FIGS. 7A to 7C, it may be found that the examples, in whichthe pixel definition layer PDL has a relatively small thickness of 1.2μm, have a relatively small intensity of scattered light at the samelight-receiving angle of 30°, as shown in FIG. 7A. According to someexample embodiments of the present inventive concept, the smallerthickness of the pixel definition layer PDL, the lower intensity ofreflected light whose exit angle is 30° that produces visibility errors.Accordingly, the electronic panel EPP may improve in visibility.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate graphs showing a variation in luminanceaccording to some example embodiments of the present inventive concept.FIG. 8A illustrates luminance of scattered light in each of first,second, and third examples EX-A, EX-B, and EX-C, and FIG. 8B illustratesa luminance ratio of scattered light in each of the first, second, andthird examples EX-A, EX-B, and EX-C. The luminance ratio shown in FIG. 8is obtained when the luminance of the first example EX-A is used as areference value of 1.

The first, second, and third examples EX-A, EX-B, and EX-C may havedifferent thickness ratios between the pixel definition layer PDL andthe spacer SP. According to some example embodiments, the first, second,and third examples EX-A, EX-B, and EX-C may be designed to have the sametotal thickness (see TT of FIG. 4B) of the pixel definition layer PDLand the spacer SP, but designed to have different first thicknesses (seeT1 of FIG. 4B) or second thicknesses (see T2 of FIG. 4B).

For example, the first example EX-A, whose total thickness TT is 3.94μm, may include the pixel definition layer PDL whose thickness is 1.8 μmand the spacer SP whose thickness is 2.14 μm. In this case, a ratio ofthe first thickness T1 to the total thickness TT may be 0.54.

The second example EX-B, whose total thickness TT is 3.94 μm, mayinclude the pixel definition layer PDL whose thickness is 1.50 μm andthe spacer SP whose thickness is 2.44 μm. In this case, a ratio of thefirst thickness T1 to the total thickness TT may be 0.62.

The third example EX-C, whose total thickness TT is 3.94 μm, may includethe pixel definition layer PDL whose thickness is 1.20 μm and the spacerSP whose thickness is 2.74 μm. In this case, a ratio of the firstthickness T1 to the total thickness TT may be 0.70.

Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, the intensity of scattered light maybecome reduced when the thickness of the spacer SP becomes relativelyincreased and the thickness of the pixel definition layer PDL becomesrelatively reduced. For example, the larger ratio of the thickness ofthe spacer SP to the thickness of the pixel definition layer PDL, thegreater reduction in luminance of scattered light.

According to some example embodiments, a first plot PL-B1 shown in FIG.8A and a second plot PL-B4 shown in FIG. 8B may be associated withexamples whose rational portion of the spacer SP is relatively small,compared to a third plot PL-B2 shown in FIG. 8A and a fourth plot PL-B3shown in FIG. 8B. For example, each of the first and second plots PL-B1and PL-B4 may relate to examples in which a ratio of a length of thepixel definition layer PDL to a total length of the pixel definitionlayer PDL and the spacer SP is 0.81, which lengths extend in onedirection in a unit zone, and each of the third and fourth plots PL-B2and PL-B3 may relate to examples in which the length ratio is 0.88.According to some example embodiments, an effect of improvement inluminance may be observed on the third and fourth plots PL-B2 and PL-B3in which the pixel definition layer PDL has a length whose rationalportion is relatively large.

According to some example embodiments, the intensity of scattered lightmay be reduced when the ratio of the thickness of the spacer SP to thetotal thickness of the pixel definition layer PDL and the spacer SP isdesigned equal to or greater than 0.5, or when the thickness of thespacer SP is designed greater than the thickness of the pixel definitionlayer PDL. Accordingly, the electronic panel EPP may improve invisibility.

FIG. 9 illustrates a plan view showing a portion of an electronic panelaccording to some example embodiments of the present inventive concept.FIGS. 10A to 10D illustrate graphs showing luminance of scattered lightversus an azimuthal angle of a pixel according to some exampleembodiments of the present inventive concept. Hereinafter, aspects ofsome example embodiments of the present inventive concept will bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10A to 10D. Those partssubstantially the same as those discussed with reference to FIGS. 1 to8B are allocated the same reference numerals thereto, and repetitiveexplanations thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 9 shows one opening that defines one emission region. The openingmay include first, second, third, and fourth sides OP_1, OP_2, OP_3, andOP_4. According to some example embodiments, the first side OP_1 and thethird side OP_3 may be parallel to and opposed to each other. The secondside OP_2 and the fourth side OP_4 may be parallel to and opposed toeach other.

Each of the first, second, third, and fourth sides OP_1, OP_2, OP_3, andOP_4 may be inclined relative to a reference line RX. The reference lineRX may be an imaginary line that extends in a direction parallel to oneof the first, second, third, and fourth side surfaces (see S1, S2, S3,and S4 of FIG. 3). The reference line RX may extend in a directionperpendicular to external light that is incident on the electronic panel(see EPP of FIG. 3). According to some example embodiments, thereference line RX is illustrated, as an example, to extend along adirection parallel to the second direction DR2.

An extension line EXL1 of the first side OP_1 may be inclined at a firstacute angle AG11 and a first obtuse angle AG12 relative to the referenceline RX. In certain embodiments, the first acute angle AG11 may bedesigned to have a range of 45°±15°, and the first obtuse angle AG12 maybe designed to have a range of 135°±15°. For example, the first acuteangle AG11 may have a range between 30° and 60°, and the first obtuseangle AG12 may have a range between 120° and 150°.

An extension line EXL2 of the second side OP_2 may be inclined at asecond acute angle AG21 and a second obtuse angle AG22 relative to thereference line RX. In certain embodiments, the second acute angle AG21may be designed to have a range of 45°±15°, and the second obtuse angleAG22 may be designed to have a range of 135°±15°. For example, thesecond acute angle AG21 may have a range between 30° and 60°, and thesecond obtuse angle AG22 may have a range between 120° and 150°.According to some example embodiments, a sum of the first acute angleAG11 and the second acute angle AG21 may be 90°.

The third side OP_3 may extend in the same direction as that of thefirst side OP_1, and may have the first acute angle AG11 and the firstobtuse angle AG12 relative to the reference line RX. Similarly, thefourth side OP_4 may extend in the same direction as that of the secondside OP_2, and may have the second acute angle AG21 and the secondobtuse angle AG22 relative to the reference line RX.

Referring to FIGS. 10A to 10D, it may be ascertained that how luminanceof scattered light changes with an azimuthal angle. The azimuthal anglemay correspond to the first acute angle AG11, or an angle of the firstside OP_1 relative to the reference line RX. For easiness ofdescription, in FIGS. 10A to 10D, circles are drawn to indicate theazimuthal angles of 0°, 45°, 90°, 135°, and 180°.

In FIG. 10A, a first plot PL-C1 shows luminance of scattered light whoselight-receiving angle is 30°, and a second plot PL-C2 shows luminance ofscattered light whose light-receiving angle is 15°. Referring to FIG.10A, the luminance of scattered light is relatively low within a firstrange R1 a and a second range R2 a. For example, within the first rangeR1 a and the second range R2 a, light leakage defects may be suppressedand intensity of reflected light causing glare may be reduced. In thiscase, the first range R1 a falls within a range of 45°±15°, and thesecond range R2 a falls within a range of 135°±15°.

In FIG. 10B, a third plot PL-C3 shows luminance of scattered light whoselight-receiving angle is 30°, and a fourth plot PL-C4 shows luminance ofscattered light whose light-receiving angle is 15°. Referring to FIG.10B, the luminance of scattered light is relatively low within a firstrange R1 b and a second range R2 b. For example, within the first rangeR1 b and the second range R2 b, light leakage defects may be suppressedand intensity of reflected light causing glare may be reduced. In thiscase, the first range R1 b falls within a range of 45°±15°, and thesecond range R2 b falls within a range of 135°±15°.

In FIG. 10C, a fifth plot PL-05 shows luminance of scattered light whoselight-receiving angle is 30°, and a sixth plot PL-C6 shows luminance ofscattered light whose light-receiving angle is 15°. Referring to FIG.10C, the fifth plot PL-05 has relatively high intensity of scatteredlight at the azimuthal angles of 0°, 90°, and 180°, compared to thefirst, second, third, and fourth plots PL-C1, PL-C2, PL-C3, and PL-C4.

In addition, the luminance of scattered light is relatively low within afirst range

R1 c and a second range R2 c. For example, within the first range R1 cand the second range R2 c, light leakage defects may be suppressed andintensity of reflected light causing glare may be reduced. In this case,the first range R1 c falls within a range of 45°±15°, and the secondrange R2 c falls within a range of 135°±15°.

In FIG. 10D, a seventh plot PL-C7 shows luminance of scattered lightwhose light-receiving angle is 30°, and an eighth plot PL-C8 showsluminance of scattered light whose light-receiving angle is 15°.Referring to FIG. 10D, the seventh plot PL-C7 has relatively highintensity of scattered light at the azimuthal angles of 0°, 90°, and180°, compared to the first, second, third, and fourth plots PL-C1,PL-C2, PL-C3, and PL-C4.

In addition, the luminance of scattered light is relatively low within afirst range R1 d and a second range R2 d. For example, within the firstrange R1 d and the second range R2 d, light leakage defects may besuppressed and intensity of reflected light causing glare may bereduced. In this case, the first range R1 d falls within a range of45°±15°, and the second range R2 d falls within a range of 135°±15°.

According to some example embodiments, when the first acute angle AG11is designed to fall within a range of 45°±15° or 135°±15°, it may bepossible to reduce the occurrence of reflected light that is reflectedat an exit angle of 30° inducing glare. Therefore, the electronic panelEPP may be provided to have improvement in visibility and displaycharacteristics.

FIG. 11A illustrate a plan view partially showing a comparative example.FIG. 11B illustrates a plan view showing a portion of an electronicpanel according to some example embodiments of the present inventiveconcept. FIG. 11C illustrates an image capturing a comparative example.FIG. 11D illustrates an image capturing an electronic panel according tosome example embodiments of the present inventive concept. FIGS. 11C and11D show images capturing light leakage defects on the electronic panelshown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, respectively. Hereinafter, aspects of someexample embodiments of the present inventive concept will be describedwith reference to FIGS. 11A to 11D. Those parts substantially the sameas those discussed with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10D are allocated thesame reference numerals thereto, and some repetitive explanationsthereof will be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 11A, each of emission regions EA_R1, EA_G1, and EA_B1may have sides inclined at an angle of 0° or 90° relative to a referenceline.

For example, first sides OP_R1A, OP_G1A, and OP_B1A may extend at anangle of 0° relative to a perpendicular direction (referred tohereinafter as a reference line direction DRb) to an incident directionDRa of the external light LS. For example, the first sides OP_R1A,OP_G1A, and OP_B1A may extend along a direction parallel to thereference line direction DRb and may be parallel to the reference linedirection DRb. in addition, second sides OP_R2A, OP_G2A, and OP_B2A mayextend at an angle of 90° relative to the reference line direction DRb.

In contrast, referring to FIG. 11B, each of emission regions EA_R2,EA_G2, EA_B2 according to some example embodiments of the presentinventive concept may have sides inclined at angles relative to thereference line direction DRb. The inclined angles may satisfy a range of45°±15° or 135°±15°.

For example, first sides OP_R1B, OP_G1B, and OP_B1B may be inclined atan angle of 45°±15° relative to the reference line direction DRb of theexternal light LS. In addition, second sides OP_R2B, OP_G2B, and OP_B2Bmay extend at an angle of 135°±15° relative to the reference linedirection DRb.

Referring to FIG. 11C, among reflected lights originating from theexternal light LS, lights reflected at an exit angle of 30° are shown bya plurality of straight lines. As illustrated in FIG. 11C, the reflectedlights may be substantially recognized as light leakage defects. In FIG.11C, a dotted line is drawn to indicate scattered light occurring fromone of the first sides OP_R1A, OP_G1A, and OP_B1A illustrated in FIG.11A.

In contrast, referring to FIG. 11D, among reflected lights originatingfrom the external light LS, lights reflected at an exit angle of 30° areshown by a plurality of dots. Light leakage defects shown in FIG. 11Dare relatively less recognized in comparison with FIG. 11C. In FIG. 11D,a dotted line is drawn to indicate scattered light occurring from one ofvertices of the emission regions EA_R2, EA_G2, and EA_B2 illustrated inFIG. 11B.

According to some example embodiments, the electronic panel (see EPP ofFIG. 3) may include first sides OP_R1B, OP_G1B, and OP_B1B inclined atan angle of 45°±15° or second sides OP_R2B, OP_G2B, and OP_B2B inclinedat an angle of 135°±15°, which may result in a reduction in theoccurrence of light leakage defects on the emission regions EA_R2,EA_G2, and EA_B2. Accordingly, the electronic panel EPP may improve invisibility.

FIG. 12A illustrate a plan view partially showing a comparative example.FIG. 12B illustrates a plan view showing a portion of an electronicpanel according to some example embodiments of the present inventiveconcept. FIG. 12C illustrates an image capturing a comparative example.FIG. 12D illustrates an image capturing an electronic panel according tosome example embodiments of the present inventive concept. FIGS. 12C and12D show images capturing light leakage defects on the electronic panelshown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, respectively. Hereinafter, aspects of someexample embodiments of the present inventive concept will be describedwith reference to FIGS. 12A to 12D. Those parts substantially the sameas those discussed with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11D are allocated thesame reference numerals thereto, and repetitive explanations thereofwill be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 12A, a comparative example includes emission regionsEA_R3, EA_G3, and EA_B3 and a spacer SPA. The emission regions EA_R3,EA_G3, and EA_B3 may include first sides OP_R1C, OP_G1C, and OP_B1C thatextend at angle of 0° relative to the reference line direction DRb, andalso include second sides OP_R2C, OP_G2C, and OP_B2C that extend atangle of 90° relative to the reference line direction DRb. The spacerSPA may include a first sidewall P1A extending at angle of 0° relativeto the reference line direction DRb, a second sidewall P2A inclined tothe reference line direction DRb, and a third sidewall P3A.

The second sidewall P2A may be inclined at an angle of 135°±15° relativeto the reference line direction DRb. The third sidewall P3A may beinclined at an angle of 45°±15° relative to the reference line directionDRb.

Referring to FIG. 12B, the electronic panel (see EPP of FIG. 3)according to some example embodiments of the present inventive conceptincludes emission regions EA_R4, EA_G4, and EA_B4 and a spacer SP_B. Theemission regions EA_R4, EA_G4, and EA_B4 may include first sides OP_R1D,OP_G1D, and OP_B1D that extend at angle of 0° relative to the referenceline direction DRb, and also include second sides OP_R2D, OP_G2D, andOP_B2D that extend at angle of 90° relative to the reference linedirection DRb. The spacer SP_B may include a first sidewall P1Bextending at angle of 90° relative to the reference line direction DRb,a second sidewall P2B inclined to the reference line direction DRb, anda third sidewall P3B.

The second sidewall P2B may be inclined at an angle of 45°±15° relativeto the reference line direction DRb. The third sidewall P3B may beinclined at an angle of 135°±15° relative to the reference linedirection DRb.

Referring to FIG. 12C, light leakage defects may be found which areproduced by the first sidewall P1A of the spacer SP_A according to thecomparative example. The first sidewall P1A extends along a directionsubstantially perpendicular to the external light LS. Because intensityof scattered light is high at the first sidewall P1A inclined at anangle of 0° relative to the reference line direction DRb, light leakagedefects may prominently occur.

In contrast, referring to FIG. 12D, it may be found that light leakagedefects occurring at one or more of vertices of the spacer SP_Baccording to some example embodiments of the present inventive conceptare relatively less than light leakage defects shown in FIG. 12C. Forexample, among dotted circles, a circle placed on a relatively left sideindicates scattered light occurring at a vertex between the second andthird sidewalls P2B and P3B of the spacer SP_B, which vertex or locationof the spacer SP_B is a position that is first in contact with theexternal light LS.

According to some example embodiments, when the sidewalls P2B and P3B ofthe spacer SP_B which first receive the external light LS are designedinclined to the reference line direction DRb, it may be possible toreduce light leakage defects caused by the spacer SP_B. In this case,the sidewalls P2B and P3B of the spacer SP_B may be designed to have aninclined angle of 45°±15° or 135°±15° relative to the reference linedirection DRb. Accordingly, the electronic panel EPP may be provided tohave improved visibility.

FIG. 13A illustrate a plan view partially showing a comparative example.FIG. 13B illustrates a plan view partially showing an electronic panelaccording to some example embodiments of the present inventive concept.FIG. 13C illustrates an image capturing a comparative example. FIG. 13Dillustrates an image capturing an electronic panel according to someexample embodiments of the present inventive concept. FIGS. 13C and 13Dillustrate images capturing light leakage defects on the electronicpanels shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, respectively. Hereinafter, aspects ofsome example embodiments of the present inventive concept will bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 13A to 13D. Those parts substantiallythe same as those discussed with reference to FIGS. 1 to 12D areallocated the same reference numerals thereto, and repetitiveexplanations thereof will be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 13A, a comparative example includes emission regionsEA_Ra, EA_Ga, and EA_Ba and also includes mesh lines MSL_A. The meshlines MSL_A are positioned on the pixel definition layer PDL. Accordingto some example embodiments, a certain dielectric layer may be locatedbetween the emitting element (see, e.g., EE of FIG. 4B) and the meshlines MSL_A. Thus, electric connection may be prevented between theemitting element EE and the mesh lines MSL_A.

The mesh lines MSL_A may be a sensor that detects external pressure. Theexternal pressure may mean pressure caused by user's hand, conductor,heat, light, or the like, and further include contact, approach,pressure, or the like with respect to the display surface (see FS ofFIG. 1).

The mesh lines MSL_A may include a first mesh line MS1A and a secondmesh line MS2A. Each of the first and second mesh lines MS1A and MS2Amay be formed of a conductive material. The first mesh line MS1A and thesecond mesh line MS2A may be connected to define openings. The openingsmay overlap corresponding emission regions EA_Ra, EA_Ga, and EA_Ba.

The first mesh line MS1A extends along the incident direction DRa of theexternal light LS, and the second mesh line MS2A extends along thereference line direction DRb. The first mesh line MS1A may be inclinedat an angle of 90° relative to the reference line direction DRb, and thesecond mesh line MS2A may extend at an angle of 0° relative to thereference line direction DRb.

Referring to FIG. 13B, the electronic panel (see EPP of FIG. 3)according to some example embodiments of the present inventive conceptincludes emission regions EA_Rb, EA_Gb, and EA_Bb and also includes meshlines MSL_B. The emission regions EA_Rb, EA_Gb, and EA_Bb include theirsides inclined to the reference line direction DRb. The sides of theemission regions EA_Rb, EA_Gb, and EA_Bb may extend in a directioncorresponding to the sides shown in FIG. 11B. A repetitive descriptionwill be omitted below.

The mesh lines MSL_B are located on the pixel definition layer PDL. Themesh lines MSL_B include a first mesh line MS1B and a second mesh lineMS2B. The first mesh line MS1B and the second mesh line MS2B areconnected to define openings. The openings expose corresponding emissionregions EA Rb, EA_Gb, and EA_Bb.

Each of the first mesh line MS1B and the second mesh lines MS2B may beinclined to the reference line direction DRb. The first mesh line MS1Band the second mesh line MS2B may be inclined at an angle of 45°±15° or135°±15° relative to the reference line direction DRb. For example, thefirst mesh line MS1B may be inclined at an angle of 45°±15° relative tothe reference line direction DRb. The second mesh line MS2B may beinclined at an angle of 135°±15° relative to the reference linedirection DRb.

Referring to FIG. 13C, a dotted line may represent a light leakagedefect caused by the second mesh line MS2A among the mesh lines MSL_Aaccording to the comparative example. Because the second mesh line MS2Aextends along a direction perpendicular to the external light LS, thesecond mesh line MS2A causes high intensity of scattered light.Accordingly, the mesh lines MSL_A may remarkably produce light leakagedefects.

In contrast, referring to FIG. 13D, a dotted line may represent a lightleakage defect occurring at a vertex of the mesh line MSL_B according tosome example embodiments of the present inventive concept. For example,the vertex may correspond to a point where the first mesh line MS1Bmeets the second mesh line MS2B. In comparison with FIG. 13C, it may befound that light leakage defects are relatively reduced.

According to some example embodiments, the first and second mesh linesMS1B and MS2B constituting the mesh lines MSL_B may be designed inclinedto the reference line direction DRb, which may result in a reduction inlight leakage defects caused by the mesh lines MSL_B. In this case, thefirst and second mesh lines MS1B and MS2B may be designed to have aninclined angle of 45°±15° or 135°±15° relative to the reference linedirection DRb. Accordingly, the electronic panel EPP may be provided tohave improved visibility.

FIG. 14A illustrate a plan view partially showing a comparative example.FIG. 14B illustrates a plan view partially showing an electronic panelaccording to some example embodiments of the present inventive concept.FIG. 14C illustrates an image capturing a comparative example. FIG. 14Dillustrates an image capturing an electronic panel according to someexample embodiments of the present inventive concept. FIGS. 14C and 14Dillustrate images capturing light leakage defects on the electronicpanels shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, respectively. Hereinafter, aspects ofsome example embodiments of the present inventive concept will bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 14A to 14D. Those parts substantiallythe same as those discussed with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13D areallocated the same reference numerals thereto, and some repetitiveexplanations thereof will be omitted.

In FIGS. 14A and 14B, dotted lines are drawn to indicate signal linesSL_A and SL_B. As discussed above, the signal lines SL_A and SL_B may bepositioned below the pixel definition layer PDL. As shown in FIG. 14A,the signal lines SL_A according to a comparative example may extendalong a direction parallel to the reference line direction DRb. Aninclined angle of 0° may be made between the reference line directionDRb and the signal lines SL_A according to the comparative example.

In contrast, as shown in FIG. 14B, the signal lines SL_B according tosome example embodiments of the present inventive concept may extendalong a direction inclined to the reference line direction DRb. Thesignal lines SL_B according to some example embodiments of the presentinventive concept may be inclined at an angle of 45°±15° or 135°±15°relative to the reference line direction DRb. According to some exampleembodiments, the signal lines SL_B are illustrated to have an inclinedangle of 135°±15° relative to the reference line direction DRb.

Referring to FIG. 14C, a dotted line may represent a light leakagedefect caused by a part of the signal lines SL_A according to thecomparative example. Because the signal line SL_A according to thecomparative example extends along a direction perpendicular to theexternal light LS, intensity of scattered light is high at the signallines SL_A. Accordingly, the signal lines SL_A may remarkably producelight leakage defects.

In contrast, referring to FIG. 14D, a dotted line may represent a lightleakage defect occurring at one end of the signal line SL_B according tosome example embodiments of the present inventive concept. In comparisonwith FIG. 14C, it may be found that light leakage defects are relativelyreduced at the electronic panel (see EPP of FIG. 3) according to someexample embodiments of the present inventive concept.

According to some example embodiments, when the signal lines SL_B aredesigned to extend inclined to the reference line direction DRb, it maybe possible to reduce light leakage defects caused by the signal linesSL_B. In this case, the signal lines SL_B may be designed to have aninclined angle of 45°±15° or 135°±15° relative to the reference linedirection DRb. Accordingly, the electronic panel EPP may be provided tohave improved visibility.

According to some example embodiments, visibility of an electronic panelmay be improved due to a reduction in the occurrence of reflected lightthat produces defects, such as glare caused by external light. Inaddition, the visibility of the electronic panel may also be improveddue to a reduction in the occurrence of internal light leakage defects.Furthermore, the electronic panel with improved visibility may providean electronic apparatus that is easily manipulated by users.

Although aspects of some example embodiments have been described withreference to a number of illustrative examples thereof, it will beunderstood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes inform and details may be made without departing from the spirit and scopeof the present inventive concept as set forth in the following claimsand their equivalents.

Thus, the technical scope of the present inventive concept is notlimited by the embodiments and examples described above, but by thefollowing claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic panel, comprising: a base substrateincluding a front surface, a rear surface opposite the front surface,and a plurality of side surfaces connecting the front surface and therear surface to each other; a pixel definition layer on the frontsurface of the base substrate and having a plurality of openings definedtherein; a plurality of emitting elements in the openings; and a spaceron the pixel definition layer and spaced apart from the openings,wherein a thickness of the spacer is equal to or greater than athickness of the pixel definition layer.
 2. The electronic panel ofclaim 1, wherein the pixel definition layer and the spacer have aunitary shape.
 3. The electronic panel of claim 2, wherein a ratio ofthe thickness of the pixel definition layer to a sum of thicknesses ofthe pixel definition layer and the spacer is equal to or less than 0.3.4. The electronic panel of claim 1, wherein each of the openingsincludes: a first side extending along a direction inclined at a firstangle relative to an extending direction of a first side surface amongthe side surfaces, when viewed from the front surface; and a second sideconnected to the first side and extending along a direction inclined ata second angle relative to the extending direction of the first sidesurface, wherein one or more of the first angle and the second angle arein a range of 45°±15° or 135°±15°.
 5. The electronic panel of claim 1,wherein the spacer includes: a first sidewall extending along adirection inclined at a first angle relative to an extending directionof a first side surface among the side surfaces, when viewed from thefront surface; and a second sidewall connected to the first sidewall andextending along a direction inclined at a second angle relative to theextending direction of the first side surface, wherein one or more ofthe first angle and the second angle are in a range of 45°±15° or135°±15°.
 6. The electronic panel of claim 5, wherein the spacer furtherincludes a third sidewall extending in a direction perpendicular to theextending direction of the first side surface and having connectioneither with the first sidewall or with the second sidewall, when viewedfrom the front surface.
 7. The electronic panel of claim 1, furthercomprising a plurality of signal lines between the base substrate andthe pixel definition layer, the signal lines being electricallyconnected to the emitting elements, wherein, when viewed from the frontsurface, an angle between an extending direction of a first side surfaceamong the side surfaces and an extending direction of each of the signallines is in a rage of 45°±15° or 135°±15°.
 8. The electronic panel ofclaim 7, wherein, when viewed in plan, the signal lines overlap thepixel definition layer.
 9. The electronic panel of claim 1, furthercomprising a plurality of mesh lines that lie on the pixel definitionlayer and have a plurality of mesh openings defined therein, the meshopenings corresponding to the openings of the pixel definition layer,wherein the mesh lines include: a first mesh line extending along adirection; and a second mesh line extending along a intersectingdirection intersecting the direction, wherein, when viewed from thefront surface, an angle between an extending direction of a first sidesurface among the side surfaces and each of the direction and theintersecting direction is in a rage of 45°±15° or 135°±15°.
 10. Anelectronic apparatus, comprising: an electronic panel including aplurality of emission regions; and a housing unit accommodating theelectronic panel, wherein the electronic panel includes: a basesubstrate including a front surface, a rear surface opposed to the frontsurface, and first to fourth side surfaces connecting the front surfaceand the rear surface to each other; a pixel definition layer on thefront surface and having a plurality of openings defined therein, theopenings corresponding to the emission regions and including a firstside and a second side connected to each other; a plurality of emittingelements in the openings; a plurality of thin film transistors betweenthe base substrate and the pixel definition layer, the thin filmtransistors being connected to corresponding emitting elements; and aplurality of signal lines between the pixel definition layer and thebase substrate, the signal lines being connected to corresponding thinfilm transistors, wherein the first side, the second side, and at leastone of the signal lines extend at an inclined angle relative to thefirst side surface, when viewed from the front surface, wherein asmallest value of the inclined angle is in a range of 45°±15°.
 11. Theelectronic apparatus of claim 10, wherein each of the emitting elementsincludes: a first electrode; a second electrode on the first electrodeand covering the pixel definition layer; and an emitting pattern betweenthe first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the first side andthe second side are portions of the pixel definition layer that are incontact with the first electrode.
 12. The electronic apparatus of claim11, further comprising a spacer on the pixel definition layer and spacedapart from the openings.
 13. The electronic apparatus of claim 12,wherein the spacer is covered with the second electrode.
 14. Theelectronic apparatus of claim 12, wherein a thickness of the spacer isequal to or greater than a thickness of the pixel definition layer on anarea where the spacer is located.
 15. The electronic apparatus of claim14, wherein the spacer and the pixel definition layer have a unitaryshape.
 16. The electronic apparatus of claim 14, wherein a ratio of thethickness of the pixel definition layer to a sum of thicknesses of thepixel definition layer and the spacer is equal to or less than 0.3. 17.The electronic apparatus of claim 12, wherein, when viewed from thefront surface, the spacer includes: a first sidewall having a firstinclined angle relative to the first side surface; and a second sidewallhaving a second inclined angle relative to the first side surface, thesecond sidewall being connected to the first sidewall, wherein each ofthe first inclined angle and the second inclined angle has a range of45°±15°.
 18. The electronic apparatus of claim 17, wherein the firstsidewall and the second sidewall of the spacer face the first sidesurface among the first side surface and the second side surface opposedto the first side surface.
 19. The electronic apparatus of claim 10,further comprising a plurality of mesh lines that lie on the pixeldefinition layer and have a plurality of mesh openings defined therein,the mesh openings corresponding to the emission regions, wherein, whenviewed from the front surface, an extending direction of each of themesh lines is inclined at a certain angle relative to the first sidesurface, wherein a smallest value of the certain angle is in a range of45°±15°.
 20. The electronic apparatus of claim 10, wherein the housingunit is an automotive vehicle.